Air France opens new lounge at Chicago O'Hare Terminal 5

Published on Oct 21, 2025, 11:50 am CDT

3 min read

Key points

Air France opens 5,000-sq-ft lounge in O'Hare Terminal 5
105 seats, abundant power, quiet work area, and call booth
French menu includes beef bourguignon and chocolate mousse
Access for AF/KLM premium, Flying Blue Elite Plus, and some Priority Pass
Open daily, located near Gate M17 in T5
New option complements existing Terminal 5 lounges

Impact

Travelers: More comfortable preflight option at O'Hare T5 with French dining and workspaces.
Airlines: Air France strengthens brand presence and premium experience in Chicago.
Airport: Adds capacity and choice to Terminal 5's lounge lineup, easing crowding.
Loyalty Members: Flying Blue Elite Plus, and some Priority Pass members gain another access path.

Air France has opened a dedicated lounge in Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) Terminal 5, adding a premium preflight option for transatlantic travelers. The space measures roughly 5,000 square feet with 105 seats, abundant power and USB ports, and free Wi-Fi. The airline highlights a French culinary program featuring hot dishes and desserts, along with quiet work areas and a private phone booth. The lounge is available to Air France and KLM business-class customers, Flying Blue Elite Plus members, and Priority Pass members outside peak Air France and KLM departure windows.

Air France lounge at Chicago O'Hare

Located airside in Terminal 5 near Gate M17, the lounge opened on October 17, 2025, and is operated in partnership with Global Lounge Network. It features high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows with runway views, and a seating plan that separates dining, relaxation, and work zones. Flying Blue Ultimate members have a dedicated area inside the lounge.

The food program aims to deliver a French bistro feel, with seasonal menus that have included beef bourguignon, country-style chicken, and chocolate mousse with caramel cream. A quiet work zone, a call booth, and plentiful charging help business travelers make the most of pre-departure time.

Analysis

For long-haul departures from Terminal 5, this opening meaningfully expands lounge capacity and variety. Priority Pass members benefit during non-peak hours when space allows, giving leisure travelers a better option than typical contract lounges. If you are departing on Air France or KLM in business class, or hold Flying Blue Elite Plus, plan to access the lounge directly; otherwise, check the Priority Pass app for same-day restrictions tied to Air France and KLM peak periods.

For context, Terminal 5 already hosts the Delta Sky Club and the LOT Polish Airlines lounge, so the Air France lounge adds another premium option close to many international gates. If crowding occurs, those other lounges may serve as backups depending on your ticket and status.

Final thoughts

The new Air France lounge at Chicago O'Hare Terminal 5 strengthens the carrier's premium footprint and gives travelers a purpose-built space with French dining, quiet work amenities, and selective Priority Pass access. Expect this lounge to become a favored stop for transatlantic flyers who value a calm environment and a better meal before boarding.